Bodywork is an umbrella term that encompasses massage and other types of therapeutic techniques such as shiatsu, acupressure and reflexology. A body worker is someone who may do one or many of these disciplines for relieving stress or as an alternative form of healing. Some styles of bodywork such as Thai massage regularly use stretching exercises. Body workers who do not already stretch their clients may incorporate these exercises into their sessions for variety, to promote relaxation and improve flexibility.
Quadriceps Stretch With Hamstring Compressions
Thai massage is a type of bodywork that began in the 17th century. Thai massage, or Thai bodywork, combines stretching and compressions, or acupressure. Practitioners and patients sit or lie on a mat on the floor fully clothed, but many stretches are possible on a massage table. The quadriceps stretch with hamstring compressions lengthens the quads on the front of the thighs and relaxes the hamstrings. Sit on the floor on the right hand side of a client who is lying face up. Grab his left ankle with your left hand and lift his leg so you can press the soles of your feet into his left hamstring. Then, pull gently on the ankle to stretch the leg. Move to the left side to stretch the right leg. Alternatively, stand on the side of a massage table and use the heel of your right hand on the left leg to do the hamstring compressions through the sheet.
Assisted Cobra
The assisted cobra is a Thai massage stretch similar to a yoga pose of the same name. This stretch opens the chest and shoulders as well as increases range of motion in the spine for extension. Sit on your client's glutes and hamstrings as he lies face down. Grab his wrists with the arms behind the back and gently pull him off the mat or floor. If using this stretch as part of an oil massage on a table, perform the exercise by sitting on the table with the client if it is a man. Do this stretch at the beginning of the session on women before they get undressed.
Behind-the-Back Seated Stretch
Another way to stretch the front of the upper body is to perform the behind-the-back seated stretch. The client sits with legs crossed on the mat or one end of a massage table. Sit behind the client and place the bottom of your feet against his lower back. Grab the client's wrists and pull his shoulders back while applying light pressure with your feet so the client remains mostly upright. This stretch works in any clothed type of bodywork from sports to rolfing. For styles such as Swedish massage and deep tissue where the client is naked, do this and other stretches before the client undresses.
Psoas Stretch
The psoas stretch lengthens tight hip muscles. It is similar to the dancer's pose in yoga except that the person stretching is on her side instead of standing up. Sit on a mat behind a client who is lying on her left side. Place your feet on her back above the spine and pull her right arm toward you. Gently push her hip right forward as you use her arm to keep her upper body from rolling. This creates a stretch in the right hip. Repeat on the other side. To perform this stretch on a massage table, stand on the right side of the table and push the right hip with the palm of your right hand as you hold the right arm with your left hand.
